(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, CA) Sen. Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) appeared May 30 before federal environmental officials, requesting a waiver for California to implement its strict emission standards for new cars and light trucks sold in the state beginning with the 2009 model year.

“California is at the forefront nationally and internationally to reduce green house gas emissions,” said Kehoe. “With over forty-one percent of California's climate changing emissions coming from cars and trucks, it is critical that we act quickly to reduce these toxins.”

In 2002 California adopted stronger vehicle emission standards, but needs a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implement controls that are tougher than federal standards. The waiver request has been pending for over 17 months, and if it is granted at least 11 other states are set to follow California’s lead.

“Both the scientific community and the U.S. Supreme Court have confirmed the perils caused by global warming and the legal authority of the EPA to act to reduce greenhouse gases,” said Kehoe. “I hope the EPA will see that the law, science, and sound environmental policy all strongly argue for the immediate adoption of the state's waiver request.”

California Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown said in a similar May 22 hearing that the state is preparing a lawsuit should the EPA deny the waiver request. California officials estimate that the strict standards will reduce climate change emissions by approximately 30 million metric tons in 2020 and over 50 million metric tons in 2030.